The Missing 'W' Contest was one of the most popular ones the station ever ran. So much so that it ran three separate times! The first occured in 1967 when the 'Riddler' stole the W. It was eventually located on the 'Welcome to Virginia' sign at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge by listener, Wayne Roper of Maryland.

In 1972 the contest was revived. This time, 'Dr. Strangeletter' appropriated it. The W was found on the 'Olde Georgetown 1751' sign on the left side of M street in the District by Jeannie Patton of Alexandria.

In 1983, the contest was brought back yet again. No one thus far has been able to remember where the W was found!

 

Mike Cohen writes:

As you may or may not know, I was sworn to never reveal the identity of 'Dr. Strangeletter' under penalty of severe reprisal from Captain Good Guy. But now that the good Captain has gone to that great radio station in the sky, I can let the world know that 'Dr. Strangeletter' was indeed me, Mike Cohen, a.k.a Mike Crawford (WDON), a.k.a Johnnie Sharpe (WEAM).

1967 Clues

While seeking the W, don't have a care. For the missing letter, you'll be up in the air.

(The W was located on a sign, suspended up in the air, over the roadway).

 

Finding the W is now the rage. Just sing a song like Patti Page.

(One of Patti Page's biggest hits was, 'Cross Over The Bridge').

 

Everybody says to find the W please clue us.
You don't have to see a ballgame in St. Louis.

(The St. Louis baseball team is known as the Cardinals. The state bird of Virginia,
the Cardinal, decorates the 'Welcome to Virginia' sign where the W was found).

 

1972 Clues

Things may seem dark in your quest for cash. The day will brighten if you're not so rash.

(Generic tease).

 

The W mystery deepens every hour. Perserverance; do you have the power?

(Generic tease).

Horrace Greeley was partly right. The W will be in sight.

(Horrace Greely coined the phrase, 'Go West Young Man'.
The W was on the Olde Georgetown 1751 sign, visible when heading west).

 

A rich reward is the fruit of your labor. There's one at each end of a special neighbor.

(There were two Olde Georgetown 1751 signs. One is seen
entering and another leaving Georgetown and the District).

This should be a juicy clue. Upon discovery you'll see right through.

(The lettering on the sign was made out of wrought iron and could be seen through).

Land some Mary, land o'goshen. The nearby water is not the ocean.

(The nearby water was the Potomac River).

 

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